How do I monetize this niche site?

I would probably promote the photoshop product on Amazon a bit more. I know you have it in the widget at the bottom, but I'd maybe do one ad just for that since it is the higher priced item and make it stand out more. You could perhaps even have a review page on the product.

I would probably change the theme you're using too, the header takes up half of the page so you have to scroll down before you can see anything.

Thanks, it was the theme that it came with. I'll change it tonight and see if that helps!

Building a list couldn't hurt. If you start sending a newsletter with valuable content this allows you to re-promote products on the site as well as promote other products of interest and value.

Also, look at eBooks, guides and tutorials as possible options- although you may not want to do this if you are only looking at making $50 per month.

I think you would be better suited at looking how you can leverage your site and leverage your time instead of limiting yourself to only earning a certain amount.

Personally, I like the theme, but I do agree the header is too tall. Just crop off the bottom a bit, and a bit more off the top. If you want to keep that jagged edge on the top, you'll have to cut and paste a bit, but that's easy enough.

I have a monetization idea for you, too: You're a graphic designer, you could sell your own PS Actions, especially for ebook covers. Some of them (the best ones) go for several hundred dollars. If they're yours, you make 100% of that.

While I've never had any luck with it myself, I'm surprised someone hasn't mentioned some Adsense ads, as well. A lot of people do very well with them.

In the bottom of sidebar where it says "Advertisement", add in 4 125x125 ad spaces, 2 per row. That's space for 4 more products. That makes for a nice square that contrasts nicely with the 300x250 ad above it. Definitely do NOT put them directly next to each other, though.

I definitely concur with adding some review pages for products you are promoting, being sure to include your link or a banner with affiliate ID.

And how come you're not promoting your services on the blog? Graphic design and Photoshop go hand-in-hand, after all.

Oh, and definitely start a list now. It will probably take a while before it starts paying off big, but you want to get that started ASAP. Never hurts to sneak in a relevant product or two in there.

And all the other ideas are good, too. Especially Hamish's idea of not limiting yourself financially. Check this out. I first read it in Think and Grow Rich:

I bargained with life for a penny
And life would pay no more
However I begged at evening
When I counted my scanty store.

For life is just an employer,
He gives you what you ask,
But once you have set the wages,
Why, you must bear the task.

I worked for a menial’s hire,
Only to learn, dismayed,
That any wage I had asked of Life,
Life would have willingly paid.

Jessie Belle Rittenhouse

If you want recurring revenue you would have to change this website into a membership based site. You provide your tutorials in return for a monthly fee. Maybe offer a set of tutorials for super low price or do a 7 day trial and then at the end of the trial charge $10 or something.

Thanks guys! Wonderful ideas

I did some thinking and I was wondering if anyone would be interested in a membership site for learning PS for internet marketing... like PS basics, then how to use it to create ebook covers, web graphics, website headers, etc?

Determine your specific approached. This niche is saturated with thousands of websites selling all kinds of products and services. In a niche filled with gimmicks, scams, and “too good to be true” offers, it’s probably going to be extremely difficult to break through. Furthermore, I will also be competing with thousands of articles from authoritative, legitimate health and fitness sites that probably dominate most relevant keywords.

Hey guys, thanks for all of the suggestions. I'm going to work on adding more posts an creating membership videos and bonuses!

your best bet would be to create some type of product you can sell, like a photoshop tutorial for beginners to sell through the site.

you could also hire some freelance photoshoppers and offer a photo shopping service to provide on the site.

that would be the first thing I would do if was hired to turn that site around into a profitable one.